RadTech Europe, the international association promoting the radiation curing technologies, anticipates a full and exciting agenda of activities in 2015 – driven by unprecedented interest in the UV/EB curing technologies across an ever-widening range of industries. Established in 1988, the association was driven by a desire to create a formal profile for the industry’s even then extended value chain, and to establish a pan-European platform where members could meet, share knowledge, develop joint themes, and educate. That process continues today – in an even wider context.

New place, new format, new applicationsRadTech Europe’s major focus will be on its 2015 conference – a biennial event which uniquely brings together its members’ diverse interests and expertise. The 2015 event’s headline is ‘UV/EB now: new place, new format, new applications’. Located this year in Prague, Czech Republic, 13-15 October, RadTech Europe 15 will offer an in-depth agenda featuring both plenary and parallel sessions, with a complementary exhibition which will additionally provide an ideal location for delegate networking, as well as for commercial presentations on new product introductions from RadTech Europe member companies.

There will be an additional focus on the considerable base of innovation in the industry, which is responding to the enormous interest in the benefits of radiation curing as compared to ‘traditional’ curing/drying technologies. New and emerging application areas, such as field-applied coatings, textiles, photovoltaics, aerospace, and the nanotechnologies, will be explored, along with tooling and technology advances, for example in the area of UV LED, and innovations in chemistries, synthesis routes, and the use of renewable materials.

Best practice, safety in useCentral to RadTech Europe’s concerns is the raft of best practice and regulatory documents that guarantee the safety of radiation curing in all its applications. 2015 will see the continuation of the association’s active participation in the new review of the EC reference document on the best available techniques for surface treatment using organic solvents (BREF STS). The document, which is being evaluated by a large number of stakeholder organisations, specifies emission limits and other environmental permit requirements, and includes information on alternative technologies to lower VOC emissions – a key benefit of UV and EB curing technologies. The review process is expected to take approximately three years.

RadTech Europe is also involved in the working group applying for the extension of the exemption of mercury in “special purpose discharge lamps” under the RoHS directive on the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment – an arena which is of importance to UV mercury-vapour bulbs.

Food-safe UV-cured inksOther areas where the association is making positive contributions include REACH and the German Printing Ink Ordinance, now in its fifth draft, which is currently at the core of existing European standards for the safety of printing inks in food packaging materials in terms of non-migration, low odour, and no taste transfer. 2014 saw RadTech Europe organise a dedicated seminar on this issue to great interest of the industry.

…and now in three dimensionsRadiation curing technologies may have been around for more than 70 years, but they are today very much central to the launch pad for a real 21st-century innovation: 3D printing or additive manufacturing. This process involves building three-dimensional objects/ products individually, in plastic, from a digital file. These creations may be medical devices, toys, custom jewellery, electronics, automotive components, and many other consumer and industrial products. But they all share one manufacturing feature: radiation curing.

A new industrial revolution?The exceptional interest in the possibilities of 3D printing/additive manufacturing market that is currently being experienced has intensified interest in all aspects of UV/EB curing. RadTech Europe President David Helsby is in no doubt that the association’s 2015 agenda will include a strong and growing focus on this sector. ‘Additive manufacturing is going viral,’ he says, ‘and our members’ science, expertise, and experience are critical to turning what is currently an embryo technology into a new industrial revolution.’ www.radtech-europe.com--ends--About RadTechRadTech Europe (RTE), founded in 1988 in Switzerland and headquartered in The Hague (The Netherlands), is the European industry association that promotes the development, use and benefits of UV/EB curing technology for the markets of Graphic arts, Adhesives, Electronics, Industrial Coatings, Automotive, Medical, Dental, Cosmetics and an array of new emerging applications. RTE membership provides access to a collaborative platform, for knowledge transfer at educational, and networking events and achieves effective representation as a body in public affairs initiatives. www.radtech-europe.com

RadTech, the trade association for UV and EB curing technology, is announcing a new initiative to advance the development of photopolymer resin-based 3D printing. RadTech will feature a suite of educational activities as part of uv.eb WEST 2015, taking place March 10-11 in Redondo Beach, California. Conference presentations will include Jason Lopes of Legacy Effects, Brian Adzema from Autodesk, and Dr. Mike Idacavage, PL Industries. At uv.eb WEST, Dr. Idacavage will also preview his new online 3D printing course, "Basics of UV Curable 3D Printing," that was developed by SUNY ESF, in partnership with RadTech. This course provides an overview of the chemistry and technology behind the UV 3D printing process, and showcases the science enabling technologies such as SLA, DLP and Inkjet printing.

A UV 3D printing committee will also kick-off at the Redondo Beach event, with a focus on technology and education. In addition, the group will address the development of appropriate and consistent environmental, health and safety documentation as a resource for 3D printing suppliers and users. “UV cured 3D printed products are often considered the highest quality currently achievable,” says Dr. Idacavage, chair of the new committee. “In order to make the best use of the capabilities of UV curable 3D printing, it is very important to have a solid understanding of the many factors involved. RadTech through uv.eb WEST and the UV 3D printing committee is positioned to serve as one of the best resources for anyone interested in this technology. ”

Registration for uv.eb WEST 2015 is online now. The exhibition for uv.eb WEST 2015 is sold out and will feature over 40 exhibitors.

The non profit trade Association for UV + EB Technologies, announces its Board of Directors for 2015. Peter Weissman of Quaker Chemical Corp., assumes the RadTech Presidency, with Lisa Fine of Joules Angstrom UV Printing Inks the new president-elect and Don Duncan of Wikoff Color, immediate past president. Eileen Weber, RedSpot, is the group’s Secretary; and Paul Elias, Miwon North America, the Treasurer. “With the continued strong growth of UV and EB, we welcome new Board members to help lead and guide our efforts to support the advancement of the technology,” said Weissman. “UV+EB are enabling technologies that additionally offer manufacturers higher productivity, energy savings and favorable sustainability profiles when compared to conventional coatings technologies. These advantages are driving use in areas as varied as industrial pipe and tube, 3d printing, consumer packaging, automotive, and aerospace.”

RadTech is chartered to advance the use of energy saving and environmentally responsible ultraviolet and electron beam curing technologies. With over 700 members worldwide, the group’s next gathering is the uv.eb WEST Conference and Exhibition (http://www.uvebwest.com), March 10-11, Redondo Beach, CA.

Los Angeles Is Under Attack: Can UV + EB Curing Technology Save the Day?RadTech has released a short comic to show the potential of UV + EB curing technology and 3D printing. We have created a PDF (http://www.uvebwest.com/comicbook.pdf) copy of the comic book as well as a video (https://vimeo.com/112411020) version. You will find out if our hero defeats the evil villain, Volatile, and rids Los Angeles of pollution.

Learn more about UV and EB curing at uv.eb WEST, (http://www.uvebwest.com) taking place March 10-11, 2015 in Redondo Beach, California. Exhibits are sold out and we are finalizing conference sessions on 3D Printing, UV LED, UV Inkjet, Printing + Packaging, and Industrial Coatings.